The Waiting Room by Bolatito Adebayo

Author:Bolatito Adebayo [Adebayo, Bolatito]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789785749922
Google: 2efOzgEACAAJ
Amazon: B08N6Q2ZGC
Goodreads: 58163125
Publisher: Narrative Landscape Press
Published: 2020-10-15T20:21:48.481884+00:00

Chapter 18

Tense and tired, Nkechi waited patiently for her mother-in-law. She had shared pleasantries with Aunty Tonia, the sweet-natured housekeeper. Tonia, who had been with the Shokunbi family for over a decade, lived in the boys’ quarters since Shola’s dad passed on five years ago.

All the Shokunbi children, except Shola, lived outside the country. The mansion, once a bustling estate, had become an empty nest, too desolate for one soul to occupy. The children had been uncomfortable with the idea of their mother living alone in the vast house and convinced Aunty Tonia to take up permanent residence, to keep their mother company.

Three days after Nkechi moved out of her matrimonial home, her mother-in-law got through to her. She was hesitant to pick the call at first, but the phone would not stop ringing. Nkechi was shocked by her mother-in-law’s calmness. She sounded as pleasant as usual, not an iota of anger in her voice.

“My daughter, we are so sorry for what happened. Shola told me everything.”

Nkechi was not sure she heard her mother-in-law right.

“Hello, Nkechi are you there?”

“Yes Mommy, I think I should be the one saying sorry.”

“Never mind, darling. Discuss with your mom, then give us a time we can come and take our wife,” she said with a short laugh.

“Mommy, you don’t have to worry about that. I will come over,” Nkechi insisted.

“Your husband slapped you. He had no reason whatsoever to lay his hands on you. I didn’t raise him like that. I raised him to always control his emotions. I raised him to respect women. What you did was right and tradition demands that we come to plead with our in-laws and promise them that such event will never repeat itself, so I don’t mind coming over to see Lolo.”

“I insist, ma. I don’t want this to extend to other family members. It is better I come over, ma.”

“Okay, if you insist, but make sure your mom permits you, please. I will be expecting you. My regards to your mom, tell her I will call soon.”

“Okay ma.”

Nkechi was surprised at the fluid conversation. No mother-in-law on earth, called a witch on national television, would behave that way. She began to doubt the prophet and his prophecies.

“Isi gini?” Her mother, seated opposite her, stopped her knitting. Lolo wanted to know what they discussed and the look on her face showed she would not be ignored. Nkechi summarised the conversation. Lolo was speechless and only found her voice when Nkechi said she doubted the prophet’s prophecies.

“Don’t start that. Witches are the greatest pretenders!”

“But Mama …”

“Is she not a witch?”

Nkechi was not in the mood for arguments. “Should I go?”

“You should have allowed them to come here. When I sprinkle the holy water on the floor and she steps on it, she will start confessing right here.”

“Should I go?”

“You have to go since you have given your word. She cannot do anything to you again. You are covered by the blood of Jesus. If she tries any evil

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